In this article we propose a few simple techniques for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of risk management in business partnering engagements: 1) planned opportunism 2) collective reflection-in-action 3) multi-frame thinking 4) emerging opportunities and 5) reporting framework – partnering philosophy.

Reliance on planning and forecasting has mushroomed since the dawn of the computer era. Data flows freely up and down the business hierarchy, greatly enhancing leaders’ ability to oversee performance and respond in real time. Nonetheless, there are still substantial problems in both theoretical and practical development of planning and forecasting; examining these problems carefully will inform future research.